The Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) through Esports Integrated (ESI) and MOONTON Games held a joint press conference to commemorate the conclusion of the M5 Wild Card held in Malaysia today. The event was also held to send off the professional national athletes competing at the M5 World Championship. Held at Dewan Serbaguna Parlimen, Yang Berhormat Adam Adli, the Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports officially sent off the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang professional national athletes to compete at the M5 World Championship.
Malaysia’s esports athletes are being celebrated in the Parliament for the first time ever. The send-off marks an important milestone for the development of Malaysia’s esports ecosystem, culminating from KBS’s direct involvement that started back in 2019. E-sports had this year made its way as one of the 103 sports listed under the Sports Development Act 1997. Esports has to grow in an environment that is positive and is part of the Rakan Muda initiative where while promoting sports it also allows youth form various backgrounds to come together and interact as part of promoting unity in diversity while augmenting nation building.
Adam Adli, Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports Malaysia, said: “Congratulations to Homebois and Team SMG for successfully securing a spot in the M5 Championship. This is not only for the athletes but also extends to the entire team, including coaches and managers who have devised effective strategies, as well as the unwavering supporters who have tirelessly helped both teams perform their best. Show the world the fighting spirit and capabilities of Malaysian youth!”
“KBS and ESI are committed to enhancing collaboration with game developers such as Moonton Games to fuel a vibrant and sustainable esports ecosystem in Malaysia,” he added.
“Without the support of everyone, we wouldn’t have made it this far,” stated Fikri Rizal Mahruddin, Head of Marketing and Business Development, MOONTON Games. “This year, in the 32nd SEA Games and other third party ecosystem events, Malaysia has managed to clinch medals. Come 2024, we want to open up more doors for ecosystem partners and operators, to work together with us in levelling up the mobile esports industry. We have many exciting plans in 2024, and we hope more people can take part in our journey to be the best.”
Team SMG and HomeBois will be competing at the upcoming M5 World Championship, that will take place in Manila, the Philippines. Both Malaysian teams will be up against fourteen other international teams for a lion’s share of the increased USD 900,000 prize pool, and the coveted title of the world’s best Mobile Legends: Bang Bang team.
The national representatives qualified through MPL Malaysia Season 12, a professional esports league which grants community and professional esports teams the opportunity to compete on a global level, or to represent Malaysia at medal events. At the 32nd SEA Games this year, the national MLBB esports team clinched a silver medal at the Men’s Tournament.
For information on Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, please refer to the following links below or download the game at the App Store and Play Store.